Chapter 186: The First Meeting with Wei Ruhhan

Chapter 186: The First Meeting with Wei Ruhhan

City Lord’s Manor.

Huang Yuan was leading Su Mo to meet Wei Ruhhan.

After Wei Ziyi mentioned it earlier in the day, Su Mo felt he should make this visit.

He consulted Yang Xiaoyun and discussed the matter briefly with Wei Ziyi.

In the end, the group included Su Mo, Yang Xiaoyun, and several others.

They also brought Liu Mo, Fu Hanyuan, as well as Zhang and Li, the two head escorts, and Xiaochuan...

Most notably, there was also Zhen Xiaoxiao.

This girl had an astonishing appetite, and occasionally dining out with her could save the family a considerable amount of money.

Little Situ from the Suspension Pot Pavilion was currently staying at the Ziyang Escort Agency and, upon hearing about the gathering, wanted to join them.

Initially, Su Mo thought bringing so many people for food and drinks was inappropriate, but Wei Ziyi said more people would make it livelier.

Wei Ruhhan did not appear during the banquet; Wei Ziyi accompanied them throughout.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, they were chatting in the front courtyard when Huang Yuan led Su Mo to Wei Ruhhan's residence.

Along the way, he chatted casually with Huang Yuan, and after a few turns, they reached the innermost part of the City Lord’s Manor.

The courtyard was tranquil and serene.

Huang Yuan excused himself and asked Su Mo to wait a moment.

He then approached the door, about to knock, but before he could, the door opened from inside.

An elderly voice called from within:

"Please invite the young Chief Escort Su in."

Huang Yuan immediately nodded and turned to Su Mo, saying, 'Please, young Chief Escort Su.'

"Thank you," Su Mo smiled and stepped inside.

The door closed behind him as soon as he entered.

The room plunged into darkness, and in an instant, flames ignited as a stream of energy flowed through the room.

Only then could Su Mo see the layout of the main room.

The room was large and spacious, with sheer curtains hanging down from the pillars, gently swaying from the current of energy.

At the far end was a screen, behind which a portion of a bed leg could be faintly seen.

In the large space before the screen, there was only a table.

On either side of the table were soft couches, and behind the table sat an emaciated, gaunt old man who was nevertheless impeccably groomed.

At this moment, he lightly narrowed his eyes, as if he were unaccustomed to the light.

Seeing that Su Mo was looking at him, he gently smiled:

"Young Chief Escort Su, please don't disdain this old man. The closer one gets to death, the more one wishes to immerse themselves in darkness.

"In the evenings, I seldom light any lamps. The silence of the night brings peace to my heart.

"This room is rather empty, and there's not much by way of hospitality. I've merely prepared a simple cup of tea. Please don't disdain, young Chief Escort Su."

He gestured courteously, though aged, his bearing remained dignified: "Come, sit, sit."

"Greetings, Grand Master of the Alliance."

Su Mo respectfully offered a junior's greeting, then sat down.

Wei Ruhan scrutinized Su Mo for a moment, then let out a soft sigh:

"Su Tianyang concealed his talents, never seeking to stand out, yet he was unrivaled in the world of martial arts.

"A few years ago, I heard you were quite unruly. But now, it seems you've grasped your father's principles.

"Indeed, the Su family, from top to bottom, across generations, has always been formidable.

"Though it's a single line of inheritance, each generation is enviably remarkable."

As he spoke, he poured tea for Su Mo.

"You flatter me, Grand Master."

Su Mo gently shook his head. "I'm young and inexperienced, still far from where I should be."

"Wisdom and martial prowess can improve with time; those are not important."

Wei Ruhan glanced at him and smiled lightly:

"When I first entered the world of martial arts, I was just rough and inexperienced. Stumbling through the early days, facing near-death experiences several times.

"I endured many setbacks and experienced much deceit before rising in Sunset City.

"I founded the Fallen Phoenix Alliance, forging alliances and strategies, which led to the influence the Fallen Phoenix Alliance holds over four cities, three rivers, and two bays today, holding sway over the southwest. We may not be invincible, but we can protect ourselves."

"Grand Master of the Alliance is truly extraordinary, far above the average person."

Su Mo sipped his tea and nodded slightly, offering no further comment.

After all, there wasn't much he could add.

"I tell you this not to boast of my accomplishments.

"But to let you know that when I was young, I was inexperienced, easily trusting, and overly careless about the world of martial arts affairs.

"Had it not been for some fortunate opportunities and surviving several dangerous situations, how could I have achieved what I have today?

"However, luck is fleeting and unpredictable. If I had your wisdom and caution back then, the Fallen Phoenix Alliance might control more than just four cities, three rivers, and two bays.

"You possess qualities I did not have, so I believe your future will be limitless."

Wei Ruhan's voice, though aged, was firm as he spoke these final words.

Su Mo was taken aback, not expecting such words from Wei Ruhan.

He hesitated, unsure of how to reply.

At that moment, Wei Ruhan spoke softly:

"I have a matter I wish to discuss with you, young Chief Escort Su. How do you feel about it?"

"If the Grand Master has any requests, feel free to speak."

"This issue..."

Wei Ruhan smiled, but then sighed:

"As you know, I have had three sons in my life, and none of them met a good end.

"Perhaps his body was swept away by the river and fed to fish and shrimp.

"My second son was exceptionally talented, chosen by the eccentric master and trained in martial arts... but unfortunately, after entering the Ten Thousand Miles of Ice in the North, he never returned.

"My youngest son was born with a mental disability and tragically choked to death on an egg.

"My life cannot be considered that of a hero, but I never expected to end up with no sons by my side."

The more Su Mo listened, the more strange he found it. Though his expression remained unchanged, he began to inwardly question the situation.

"Thankfully, heaven had mercy.

"That was a rash act by my eldest son, but it became my lifeline.

"Therefore, since this child was young, her mother and I have held great hopes for her.

"Now that you know, the major issues within the Fallen Phoenix Alliance have been settled.

"My body is already like an oil lamp nearing its end, and I may pass at any moment. When that time comes... I will leave them as a widow and orphaned child.

"While I am alive, I can still ensure her position as Grand Master.

"But if... I am no longer around.

"A widow and her orphaned child will inevitably be vulnerable to exploitation."

These words made sense, and Su Mo inwardly agreed.

By this point, Wei Ruhan's intentions had become quite clear.

He wanted to find a protector for the mother and daughter after his passing.

Su Mo had slain the three commanders of the Youquan Cult with a single sword in Profound Theory Valley.

His battle with the Heaven Gate Master of the Three Extremes Sect was observed by Wu Daoyou.

Given his impeccable background, he was the ideal choice to protect his daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Su Mo subconsciously reached for his teacup, when he heard Wei Ruhan speak softly:

"Therefore, I plan to betroth Ziyi to you, young Chief Escort Su. What do you think?"

Thanks to Su Mo's exceptional skills and quick reflexes, he managed to avoid spitting the tea on Wei Ruhan's face.

"Just a moment ago, you were talking about looking for a patron, so how did it suddenly turn into finding a grandson-in-law?"

Su Mo immediately put down his teacup and lightly coughed—he was slightly taken aback.

Looking up, he saw Wei Ruhan waiting quietly for a response.

Su Mo was momentarily speechless but answered solemnly:

"I appreciate your kind offer, Great Leader of the Alliance, but I am already betrothed. This matter..."

"Of course, I am aware that you are already betrothed,"

Wei Ruhan gestured and said,

"However, as a man of honor, having several wives is not uncommon.

"Moreover, I am not forcing you; if you marry Ziyi, Miss Yang will remain the primary wife.

"With your support, I won’t have to worry about Ziyi being mistreated in the future."

"...There’s no need for such arrangements, Great Leader of the Alliance,"

Su Mo said, "Ziyi and I are friends. If she ever faces any trouble, I would never stand by and do nothing."

"Marriage is more reliable than friendship,"

Wei Ruhan shook his head, "Moreover, Ziyi will eventually get married. If it’s not you, and she marries someone unsuitable in the future, wouldn’t the entire Fallen Phoenix Alliance end up in the wrong hands?

"How could I let my life’s work be destroyed like this?"

"But I have no romantic feelings for the young miss, and furthermore..."

Su Mo paused here, originally intending to say, 'Furthermore, Xiaoyun and I have a deep bond. How could I explain this to her if I agreed?'

But as the words reached his lips, he suddenly recalled that night at Jiaolong Water Village and Yang Xiaoyun's attitude toward the matter.

This girl... who knows if she’s lacking in sense.

She keeps trying to arrange wives and concubines for me...

If Wei Ruhan really talks to Yang Xiaoyun about this, these two might just agree immediately, leaving me in a difficult position.

With this thought, he immediately said:

"Furthermore, has the Great Leader informed the young miss of this decision?

"I don’t see any romantic feelings from Miss Wei towards me.

"If the Great Leader insists on forcing this match, it will only create a rift between us.

"Therefore, I hope the Great Leader will forgive me for not being able to agree."

After hearing this, Wei Ruhan did not speak but quietly looked at Su Mo for a moment.

After a long pause, he sighed, "Do you think, who will Zi Yi marry in the future?"

"…This, late as I am, how can I possibly foresee the future?"

"Is it that you cannot see, or that you do not wish to see?"

"After I die, the Fallen Phoenix Alliance will be passed down to the mother and daughter.

"Hua Qianyu’s martial arts are quite good, but it won’t be easy for her to completely subdue the entire Fallen Phoenix Alliance.

"Widows and orphans are often vulnerable to being bullied.

"Given Ziyi's status, she cannot marry an ordinary person.

"She will either have to marry an alliance leader or the son or grandson of a leader to rally support and stabilize the alliance.

"Or she will have to marry a highly respected and skilled martial artist in the jianghu.

"This would help to command respect within the alliance.

"Ultimately, she won’t be able to live as she wishes.

"Grand Master, if you betroth the young miss to me, will it be according to her wishes?"

Su Mo lightly raised his eyebrows.

"At the very least, you won’t betray or harm her."

Wei Ruhan smiled: "Actually, if you had agreed right away, I would have found it inappropriate.

"Young Chief Escort Su, you’re a smart man. You know very well what you’d gain if Ziyi were entrusted to you.

"The entire Fallen Phoenix Alliance would practically be yours to control.

"Yet, you still refuse, which shows how deeply you care for the Yang family’s daughter.

"To me, a man who values emotions as much as you do is even more rare.

"It makes me even more determined to see this union through!

Su Mo’s lips twitched, suddenly realizing he had inadvertently fallen into Wei Ruhan’s trap.

But he simply smiled, ‘Since you know I value emotions, you should understand that this matter is unlikely to succeed. You should abandon this idea.’

"No problem, no problem."

Wei Ruhan said, "There is still time. Young men and women should spend more time together, and who knows what might happen in the end...

"Let’s set this aside for now. I heard from Ziyi that you plan to visit the Purple Sun Sect?"

"I do have such an intention."

"You’ll be traveling with Ziyi. Won’t the Yang girl come along?"

"When I return, I’ll ask Xiaoyun to come with me."

Wei Ruhan laughed heartily, "Young Chief Escort Su, are you finding it hard to maintain your composure? Is that why you need your fiancée to accompany you, so you won’t be led astray by emotions?"

"That old fox sure knows how to talk his way out of things!"

Su Mo’s eyebrows lifted slightly.

Wei Ruhan, however, said with a smile:

"Speaking of which, I have another important matter. I don't know if Chief Escort Su is willing to take it on?"

"Grand Master of the Alliance, this provocation isn’t very clever."

By this point, their conversation had become less restrained, and their words were becoming sharper.

Wei Ruhan didn't reply but continued to speak on his own:

"The Ziyang Escort Agency is now at its peak. The people left behind by Yang Yizhi have integrated into the agency, making it even more powerful.

"You, Chief Escort Su, established yourself in Wufangji, but you won’t limit your operations to just the northern route.

"However, to the east, whether your reputation holds weight in the east is still uncertain.

"After all, you are Su Mo, not Yang Yizhi.

"With the loyalty within the agency secured, it’s the loyalty outside the agency that is harder to secure.

"What’s missing is a suitable mission for you to undertake, to stabilize the sentiments across all regions.

"If this succeeds, the Ziyang Escort Agency will open up new revenue streams.

"Handling both the eastern and northern routes would be a rare achievement for any escort agency."

Su Mo glanced at Wei Ruhan. "Is the Grand Master offering me an assignment?"

"Ziyi was raised in Cold Moon Palace, where the elders doted on her.

"Every year, I send gifts to Cold Moon Palace, but this year, it hasn’t been done yet...

"Since you, Chief Escort Su, are about to head east, why not help me with this task?"

"Certainly."

Su Mo nodded. "What are the items?"

"From gold and jade items to rouge and cosmetics, not much, just a carriage full."

"Where is the carriage located?"

"In the backyard of the City Lord’s mansion."

"What is the escort fee?"

"…A granddaughter?"

"…"

Su Mo looked at Wei Ruhan in silence.

Wei Ruhan sighed. "Five thousand taels."

"Fine, I'll come with my people for inspection tomorrow morning."

As he spoke, Su Mo stood up. "I bid you farewell."

"Go on, go on, I’m quite tired at this hour, being an old man."

Wei Ruhan let out a gentle breath and smiled faintly. "If you have the opportunity in the future, why don’t you drop by more often, Chief Escort Su?"

"If I have the time, I’ll come to pay my respects, Grand Alliance Leader."

"From what you say, I can tell you won’t have much time."

"Farewell."

Su Mo said no more and turned to leave.

Huang Yuan had been waiting outside, and upon seeing Su Mo emerge, he immediately bowed slightly. "Chief Escort Su, I’ll see you out."

"Thank you."

Su Mo nodded and glanced back at the door, now closed, and quietly followed Huang Yuan.

Before long, Huang Yuan returned to report.

He knocked gently and found Wei Ruhan reclining on a daybed, half-asleep.

Huang Yuan took a deep breath, tiptoed to the table, and began tidying up carefully.

"Gone?"

Wei Ruhan's voice came to Huang Yuan's ears.

Huang Yuan nodded slightly. "Gone."

"He’s indeed a remarkable person, not just anyone."

Wei Ruhan softly murmured. "If I had even a fraction of his skill back then, the Fallen Phoenix Alliance wouldn’t have had so many leaders."

"Master, regarding the young miss's matter, isn’t it a bit too hasty?"

Huang Yuan paused here. "Too hasty?"

"It is a bit hasty."

Wei Ruhan smacked his lips and reached out his arm.

With Huang Yuan's support, he stood up and moved behind the folding screen.

Standing before the bed, Huang Yuan, as he helped him undress, continued, "Chief Escort Su is indeed an extraordinary individual. However, the Fallen Phoenix Alliance shouldn’t be underestimated. Currently, he’s not a suitable match for Miss."

"Hmm?"

Wei Ruhan looked at Huang Yuan and smiled suddenly. "The hasty decision you mentioned, is this what you meant?"

"…What does Master mean?"

Huang Yuan was taken aback.

"He’s overreaching himself."

Wei Ruhan sighed. "Young Miss Yang is a fine and fortunate person. I wish my old Wei family could share in such good fortune."

"Hmm... How did Zi Yi get along with the young miss from the Yang family?"

"They are as close as sisters."

"That's good."

Wei Ruhan nodded, then shook his head again. "It’s just that the Su clan is naturally stubborn and overly sensitive."

As he said this, a smile tugged at the corner of his lips, as if something had occurred to him.

With Huang Yuan’s assistance, Wei Ruhan lay down and was covered with a quilt. He let out a gentle sigh, which hinted at a subtle weakness.

He sighed and gently waved Huang Yuan away.

"I’ll take my leave," Huang Yuan said.

Not daring to disturb, Huang Yuan carefully withdrew. However, as he stood by the door, reflecting on Wei Ruhan’s words, he found it hard to calm his thoughts.

Chief Escort Su is indeed formidable.

But what exactly made Wei Ruhan think that his precious daughter marrying him would be a step up for her?

...

...

While Huang Yuan was secretly shocked, Yang Xiaoyun was asking Su Mo what he had discussed with Wei Ruhan.

Normally, Su Mo would have been completely open with Yang Xiaoyun.

But this time, Su Mo was unsure how to bring it up.

Most men wouldn’t dare speak of it for fear of causing jealousy at home.

However, Su Mo hesitated, fearing that Yang Xiaoyun might team up with Wei Ruhan to corner him.

After careful consideration, Su Mo spoke softly:

"How about you come with me this time, Xiaoyun?"